THE GOSPEL THIS WEEK : Following God - taking up our cross

What does it mean to "take up your cross"? Well, Jesus said to deny yourself and follow him-what does that mean? It means to accept whatever struggles you have and accept it like Jesus did. Be obedient, like Jesus was. Carry your burden, like Jesus did. Don't complain, like Jesus didn't complain. Trust God, like Jesus did on the cross. When you start accepting hardship, you relate with Jesus and become closer to him. You begin to see the beauty behind his suffering--and you will see the beauty behind yours.